What is the Best Sleep Position: Stomach, Back, or Side?

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It is a well-known fact that we all have different sleep habits. What is the best sleeping position? Well, that answer largely depends on whether you are a night owl or a day owl. People who are night owls, or very active during the day, do not want to be sleeping in the same position as those who are more relaxed at night. This can lead to aches and pains during the day.

What is the Best Sleep Position - Stomach, Back, or Side

Night owls, as people worried, suffer from insomnia. This means that they have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Insomnia has a lot to do with the spine being in an improper position.

The reason for this is because it does not allow the mattress to support the spine properly when sleeping. When a person is in a standing position, the mattress does not need to be at the right angle to provide comfort. Instead, it should be slightly leaning forward. If it is angled downward, then the natural curve of the spine will be affected.

Morning People

People who are morning people are those who are most likely to be having neck pain. This is because their spinal alignments are not as perfect as those of afternoon people. Morning people are the ones who get up earlier and do more physical activity during the day. Because the day is more physical and energetic, the body needs to adjust its positions to ensure that everything is working right. For this reason, the best sleeping position is still lying down on your back with a comfortable mattress and preferably, a headrest.

However, some prefer to sleep on their sides and some have a stomach that sinks lower than the rest of the body. In this case, it is more ideal to sleep on one side of the stomach with a pillow underneath the lower stomach for additional support. Some have lower backs that need support and so they sleep on their stomach with a pillow or cushion in between their legs.

Lying Down on the Back

For acid reflux sufferers, the best sleeping position is still lying down on your back. It helps to keep the lower part of the stomach where the acid reflux happens below. Some may experience side effects by sleeping this way, like being uncomfortable because the side of the head and back are higher than the stomach, but this usually depends on each person and if it’s hurting you then choose another sleep position. Also, it allows the heartburn sufferer to sleep easier and faster because gravity helps them to sink further down into the stomach.

Those who are suffering from acid reflux also need to be concerned about side sleeping. This happens when the person tosses and turns during sleep which presses down on the esophagus. When they lie on their side, they are less likely to roll over and force the LES to open, since gravity pulls it down. Many people who have side sleeping are the ones who find relief when they lie on their side.

Different Sleeping Position

There are still many more choices that people have for the best sleeping position. Some prefer the sitting position while others enjoy the side and back sleeping positions. Some prefer comfortable with a pillow under the knees, and there are those who prefer the top of the head and bottom of the back. No matter which position they choose, they should make sure that their pillow is the right thickness and has the right amount of support at the right places. There are even sleep experts who suggest getting different kinds of pillows and sleeping with various types of cushions to see which type can provide the best comfort for the individual.

Back and Neck Pain

Back and Neck Pain

If you have ever suffered from neck or back pain, then you are very aware of what the best sleeping position is. Most of us are prone to tossing and turning all night long. This can lead to neck and back problems that can be quite painful if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many options available that can help alleviate the problem, as well as prevent it from happening in the first place. The first cause might be the mattress you are using. If this is the cause, find mattress disposal near you, to get rid of it, and get a good mattress soon.

Determine the Cause

The first thing that a person needs to do when they have back pain is to determine what the cause is. If the problem is a pulled muscle in the back, then the best thing to do is to take steps to strengthen this muscle to make it stronger and less susceptible to injury. A great way to do this is by performing stomach sleeping positions. With stomach sleeping positions, the head is placed in a neutral position with the spine in a completely flat position. From here, the person will be able to see which part of the body is in pain.

Good Quality Pillow

Next, the sleeper will want to find a good quality pillow that they can use as a base for stomach sleeping. There are many different kinds of pillows on the market today that can help with this. Just as with any other type of pillow, the key is making sure that the one you buy supports your neck, back, and shoulder. Once you have selected a good pillow, then you can begin laying down to sleep.

Good Quality Mattress

Good Quality Mattress

Once you have selected a good pillow, then it is time to select a good mattress. As was mentioned earlier, you will want to find a mattress that allows for your neck, back, and shoulders to be in a neutral position. One way to achieve this is by using a firm mattress. When selecting a firm mattress, be sure to choose one that offers medium to medium firmness. Also, be sure to choose a mattress with a depth of about three or four inches. By doing these two things, your spine will be properly supported during the night and your sleep will be more comfortable.

Side Face Pillow

A third way to achieve a comfortable sleeping position is to use a side face pillow. These side pillows are designed to fit closely over your stomach. Because they are so close to your body, you will not be waking up in the morning to a sore neck or back. This will also ensure that your spine stays in a neutral position while you sleep. Most of these pillows have adjustable straps that allow them to be adjusted to the perfect angle. The angle is important because it will be the most comfortable position for your spine as you sleep.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several different ways to sleep comfortably. The key is that you use the methods that are most comfortable for you. Of course, there are some cases where back pain will prevent you from being able to sleep on your side but even then, there are various methods that may work for you. If you do suffer from lower back pain, you should consult with a doctor before trying anything.

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